Pitching for Platelets
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Calling all platelet donors! Now’s your chance to step up to the plate and help save lives.
The Pitching for Platelets experience—presented in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds—returns in 2026, bringing even more excitement for our dedicated platelet donors. This exclusive opportunity is reserved for loyal Hoxworth platelet donors and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine on the Major League stage at Great American Ball Park.
Donate platelets four or more times between April and June and earn a VIP Reds game experience in July 2026.
Keep donating and stay tuned for details on how you can qualify for the next round of this fan-favorite donor celebration. More details on this unforgettable experience are coming soon—stay tuned!
When you think spring in Cincinnati you think of the Reds. It’s very fitting to bring two Cincinnati staples – The Reds and Hoxworth- together to save lives. The Reds are a fantastic mission partner.
Dr. David Oh Director, Chief Medical Officer, Hoxworth Blood Center
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Did You Know?
- A platelet donor can give every 14 days. The automated process separates the platelets from your red cells and plasma - returning your red cells and most plasma back to the donor.
- Platelets only have a shelf life of 5-7 days, meaning they are transfused for a local patient almost immediately after each donation.
- Platelets are essential for preventing excessive bleeding in patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgery, organ transplants, and those with blood disorders.
- Hoxworth needs at least 50 platelet donors each day to meet the demand of local hospitals.
A typical platelet donation takes roughly 90 minutes from start to finish and platelet donors are eligible to give every two weeks. Platelet appointments are available seven days a week at Hoxworth’s seven Neighborhood Donor Centers located in Anderson, Blue Ash, Clifton (Central), Ft. Mitchell KY, West Chester (North), Tri-County, and Western Hills (West).
We can’t wait to see you there—schedule all 4 or more donations today!
Past Pitching for Platelets Winner!
We’re proud to announce that Hoxworth’s 2025 Pitching for Platelets event was a tremendous success, bringing together an incredible community of donors and supporters.
Congratulations to Andrew Friend, our winner, who had the honor of throwing the first pitch at the Cincinnati Reds game on July 26.
His energy and dedication truly represented our mission. Learn more about the event and see photos in our full recap: Read the full story here.
- Featured on the left: Jim Ruschman, 2024 Pitching for Platelets Winner
- Featured in the middle: Steve Meyers, 2023 Pitching for Platelets Winner
- Featured on the right: Barb Hallinan, 2022 Pitching for Platelets Winner
Additional Platelet Donor Events
- Winter Event! Performance for Platelets - A once-in-a-lifetime musical experience with the University of Cincinnati’s world-renowned College-Conservatory of Music Jazz Orchestra just for Hoxworth platelet donors and their special guest.
- Summer Event! Passing for Platelets - details coming soon on this upcoming event!
- Fall Event! Pucks for Platelets - An exclusive Cincinnati Cyclones VIP experience for loyal platelets donors and their special guest.